STORY

Communications Department
Renault Press : +33 1 76 84 63 36
1

Small Renaults, long-standing players in changes in society
For the launch of new Twingo, lets look back at the history of small Renault cars, each one of which has
successfully responded to changes in society and still holds a special place in the hearts of motorists.
1946: 4 CV, the first small Renault with mass appeal
The war has been over for a few months. Europe is starting to rebuild and the population is once again
able to think about the future and return to a more peaceful reality.
For those looking to head out on the roads and enjoy their new freedom, the 4 CV was the perfect
solution. The rear-engined car, designed by engineers in secret during the war, was roomy enough for a
family and its luggage. The new models competitive price tag made car ownership a possibility for a
large part of the population. The 4 CV marked the postwar years, appealing with its self-derision and
simplicity to a broad public, from the working classes to the middle classes.

Renault Communication, all rights reserved
Renault Communication, all rights reserved

SAVIGNAC, Raymond

Communications Department
Renault Press : +33 1 76 84 63 36
2
1961: Renault 4L, the first car for living
The postwar boom is on. The economy is recovering, innovation is rife and living standards are
improving with the widespread availability of new consumer goods, including household appliances and
automobiles. Families are going out, enjoying their free time, travelling, and mad about exploring wide
open spaces.
It was for these families that Renault created the Renault 4L. The 4L would become a legend with its
revolutionary and practical tailgate, offering easy loading access for all the family and its luggage.
Renaults first real car for living, the 4L, was sold in over eight million units worldwide between 1961
and the 1990s.


Renault Communication, all rights reserved

Renault Communication, all rights reserved

Renault Communication, all rights reserved


Communications Department
Renault Press : +33 1 76 84 63 36
3
1972: Renault 5, the spirit of 1968
Morals have loosened in the wake of the events of 1968. Most Europeans enjoy greater freedom and
their leisure activities and travel are becoming more diverse.
This euphoric period was to come to an abrupt end in 1973 with the first oil crisis. The Renault 5, with its
low fuel consumption (4.5 l/100 km at 90 kph), arrived at exactly the right time. It was a new kind of
small car, boasting appeal, with its friendly face, and versatility, with its smart bumpers made out of
synthetic materials for protection when parking. Launched in 1972, the Renault 5 quickly found its public
(31% women and 35% people under 30 in the first year) and went on to achieve lasting success. In the
mid-1980s, Renault replaced the Renault 5 with the Super Five. Produced in 8.5 million units between
1972 and 1996, the Renault 5 and the Super Five enjoyed a long career and continue to hold a special
place in the hearts of motorists. The Renault 5 was also released in high-energy sports versions that
gained legendary status, including the R5 Alpine and R5 Turbo.
Renault Communication, all rights reserved

Renault Communication, all rights reserved

Renault Communication, all rights reserved


Communications Department
Renault Press : +33 1 76 84 63 36
4
1993: Twingo, the crisis-proof car
The crisis continues, economies are undermined by the stock-market crash, and fuel prices are on the
rise, largely owing to the Gulf War. But the Berlin Wall has recently fallen, opening up a new future for
Europe. The dichotomy is in place: we want to dream of a better future but everyday life keeps us from
doing so.
And then came Twingo, a thoroughly original city car that shook up the automotive paradigm. Launched
with one engine, one trim level and four bright colors, Twingo put a smile on peoples faces, even by
dint of its name, a blend of the words twist, swing and tango. The first small single-box car on the
market, it boasted an irresistibly joyful gaze and unique body styling, with an ultra-short nose and a
useful cabin length of 1.78 m. The new model was an unprecedented success on reveal at the Paris
Motor Show, standing as Renaults little crisis-proof car. With its modular design and versatility,
Twingo was perfect for all kinds of motoring, and was sighted as much on the open road as it was in the
city!

PETIT-ROULET, Philippe / Publicis
DINGO DINGO


Communications Department
Renault Press : +33 1 76 84 63 36
5
Today: Twingos eternal optimism
In a globalized and some would say, homogenized world, we have a right to seek out distinction.
New technologies are opening up a new world of expression and freedom, one in which taking part and
playing are key.
It is in this new society that new Twingo is to carve out its place and, we hope, put smiles on peoples
faces. Fun, ultra-maneuverable and connected, still small outside and big inside, the new model is
designed for the city, with a turning radius of 4.30 m. It once again sets the tone with its bright body
colors, giving owners full rein to express themselves. New Twingo is a worthy heir to Renaults classic
small cars and the eternal optimism of the original edition. While boasting its own distinct personality,
like its forerunners it is innovative, for living and full of soul.

As Jean-Louis Loubet, historian and specialist of the automotive sector, explains
1
, Renault cars are the
first to take account of new demands stemming from changes in society []. Renault innovates and
designs vehicles that mark their times. Regardless of the era, Renault through its city cars continues to
convey optimism and make history.
Renaults new breath of fresh air arrives in the urban landscape in September
2
2014.
For those looking to check out more small Renault body styles, this story is also available in a video
version.


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LOUBET, Jean-louis and LE MAITRE, Claude, Renault, un sicle de cration automobile, E-T-A-I, 2003.
2
For the press test drives and market launch.
BERNIER, Anthony
BERNIER, Anthony BERNIER, Anthony